Once upon a time, “proper” interview attire meant one thing: formal business wear. Men wore suits and ties, women wore skirt suits and hosiery, and everyone hoped the air conditioning worked. But today, as the workplace — and especially the hospitality industry — continues to evolve, the rules have relaxed.

So… can you wear jeans to a hospitality interview in 2025?

The short answer: sometimes. But it depends on the role, company culture, and who you’re meeting with.

Let’s break it down.

1. Know Your Hospitality Environment

Not all hospitality jobs share the same dress expectations. The industry covers everything from luxury hotels and fine dining to tech-driven hospitality startups and hybrid corporate offices. Your outfit should reflect the tone and formality of where you want to work.

Corporate Hospitality Roles (HQ, Sales, HR, Marketing, Finance)

If you’re interviewing for a corporate or regional office position, lean toward modern business attire:

• Tailored slacks or a midi skirt
• A crisp button-down or blouse
• A blazer (optional, but always a safe bet)
• Closed-toe shoes

Jeans might be acceptable only if the company clearly promotes a casual culture (for instance, a hospitality tech firm or a creative marketing agency). In that case, stick with dark, well-fitting denim, paired with elevated pieces — think a blazer and leather loafers, not sneakers and a hoodie.

Pro Tip: If the company’s career site or LinkedIn features photos of employees in smart casual or business casual outfits, you can match that tone.

Related Article: How to Dress for Success in Hospitality Interviews >

On-Property Roles (Front Desk, F&B, Operations, Housekeeping Leadership)

If you’re applying for a role inside a hotel or restaurant, the safest choice is professional business attire. You’re representing the face of hospitality — and presentation matters.

For these interviews, skip the jeans entirely and opt for:

• A neat, pressed dress shirt or blouse
• Dress pants or a conservative skirt
• Polished shoes
• A simple blazer or jacket (especially for management-level roles)

Even if the daily uniform is more casual, dressing up for the interview shows professionalism and respect for the property’s brand.

Example: If you’re interviewing at a five-star hotel like The Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons, a suit or tailored outfit aligns with the brand’s polished image. But if it’s a trendy boutique hotel or lifestyle brand like Moxy or CitizenM, business casual might feel more natural.

2. Consider Who You’re Meeting

Just as important as where you’re interviewing is who will be across the table.

• Interviewing with a General Manager, VP, or Owner?
  Always go formal — it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underprepared.
• Interviewing with a Department Supervisor or Recruiter?
  Business casual is often fine, especially for non-executive roles.
• Virtual Interview?
  Dress from head to toe — not just from the waist up. A neat, professional look helps you feel confident, even on camera.

3. The 2025 Dress Code Shift: “Polished Casual”

Hospitality has embraced a more modern aesthetic since the pandemic, with many companies adopting “polished casual” dress codes — professional but approachable. Think smart separates, muted colors, and comfortable-but-tailored fabrics.

This shift reflects the industry’s new values: authenticity, inclusion, and flexibility. Employers care more about how you present yourself with confidence than whether you’re wearing a full suit.

That said, first impressions still matter. Jeans can work in some settings, but only if they’re:

• Dark wash (no rips or fading)
• Tailored fit (no bagginess or ultra-skinny styles)
• Paired with dressier items (structured blazer, clean shoes, and professional accessories)

4. If You’re Unsure, Go Business Casual

When in doubt, err on the side of slightly overdressed. Business casual works across nearly all hospitality settings and signals professionalism without being stiff.

Tip: If you’re unsure, ask your recruiter or HR contact, “Can you share what the standard dress code is for interviews?” It’s a totally normal question — and shows you’re thoughtful about company culture.

5. Confidence Is Your Best Accessory

No matter what you wear, how you carry yourself matters most. Clean, well-fitting clothes, good posture, eye contact, and a friendly smile will speak louder than any outfit.

Hospitality is, at its heart, about making people feel comfortable — and that includes how you present yourself. Dress to show that you understand the brand, respect the opportunity, and are ready to deliver exceptional service — whether in the lobby, the boardroom, or on a Zoom screen.

Bottom Line for 2025

• Corporate hospitality interviews: Dark jeans may be acceptable if styled professionally.
• On-property interviews: Stick with business attire — no jeans.
• Luxury brands: Always formal.
• Boutique or lifestyle brands: Business casual or polished casual may be appropriate.
• When unsure: Overdress slightly. You can always adapt once you land the job.

Remember, your outfit sets the tone before you ever speak a word. Make sure it says: professional, confident, and ready to deliver great hospitality.

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